2019 Roundtable ROUnDUP

EAST BURKE, VT - BURKE RESORT More than 50 people gathered at the VOBA Roundtable at Burke Mountain on June 5. Abby Long, executive director of Kingdom Trails talked about the economic impact of the 100 mile trail network. The trail system, Long said, “drew 140,000 people last year and with people come economic opportunity.”

burke.jpg

Chris Hibshman, owner of Village Sports Shop, Gene Devlin, managing partner of Quimby Country Lodge, Ted Benoit, owner of Lead and Tackle in Lyndonville, and Corinne Prevot, chief executive officer of Skida and VOBA board member, spoke to the positive economic impact that outdoor recreation has had on local businesses and communities. Attendees also learned about the Small Business Development Center’s resources and the Lyndon Institute’s Bike Tech Project connecting high school students with local employers. Thank you to the following sponsors: Burke Mountain, Darn Tough, Bag Balm, Bokan, and Early Bird Power.

The Burke event followed Killington and Burlington as VOBA’s third networking and education roundtable and continued industry discussions about needs for financing, workforce, infrastructure, and sector branding.

KILLINGTON, VT - Killington Resort - In March 2019, close to 50 Vermont outdoor recreation industry representatives attended the second VOBA Roundtable in Killington. A panel of business leaders shared their experience being located in Vermont and identified challenges and opportunities for the sector. Break out discussions led to ideas for VOBA initiatives in the areas of financing, workforce development, infrastructure, and sector branding.  

Killington.jpg

Speakers include:

  • Rich McCoy, Director of Operations, Pico Mountain; Director of Summer Operations, Killington

  • Randy Elles, Brand Director, First Stop, Board Barn 

  • Brooke Scatchard, Owner, Sinuosity: Flowing Trails, Fat Bike Skis

  • Amelia Leme, Owner, Mana Threads 

  • Brett Long, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Economic Development 

  • Grover Usilton, Senior Vice President, National Bank of Middlebury

  • Hal Ellms, Owner, Pinnacle Outdoor Group

Thank you to our event sponsors: Killington Resort, Darn Tough, CycleWise, and Fat Tire.

2018 Roundtable ROUNDUP

BURLINGTON, VT - HULA - In November 2018, over 50 industry representatives attended the first VOBA Roundtable in Burlington. A panel of experts shared stories about doing outdoor recreation business in Vermont and identified challenges and opportunities for the sector. A discussion led to ideas for VOBA initiatives that can advance needs for financing, workforce development, infrastructure, and sector branding.

roundtable1.jpeg

Speakers included:

  • Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation

  • Lindsay DesLauriers, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Bolton Valley Resort

  • TJ Whalen, Managing Director, FreshTracks Capital

  • Justin Worthley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Burton Snowboards

  • Corinne Prevot, Chief Executive Officer, Skida

  • Walter Frame, Executive Vice President, Trapp Family Lodge

  • Steve Charest, Co-Owner, Head Guide, Petra Cliffs

  • Drew Simmons, President, Pale Morning Media

  • Mark Yardley, Vice President of Sales, Darn Tough Vermont

Thank you to our event sponsors: Pizza44, Foam Brewing, Darn Tough, and Hula.

roundtable2.jpg